Singers who died on June 17

Take a focused look at the singers who passed away on June 17. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1986 Kate Smith

  Kate Smith was an American singer best known for her renditions of patriotic songs, most notably 'God Bless America.' Active primarily from the 1930s through the 1950s, she became known as 'The First Lady of Radio' due to her prolific performances and her significant influence on the American music and broadcasting landscape. [bio]